Telecommunication technique for providing information assistance services

ABSTRACT

A cellular telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. However, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred back to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance). Billing information for the calls originated by the directory assistance operator on the subscriber&#39;s behalf is logged in a database at the directory assistance center. This data is thereafter provided to the cellular carrier, permitting it to bill the subscriber for calls originated by the directory assistance operator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to systems for providing directory assistance services, and more particularly relates to the provision of directory assistance services to cellular telephone subscribers.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Telephone directory assistance services have been available for the past century. While improvements have been made over the decades, such systems are still poorly suited for use by subscribers of cellular telephone services.

[0003] In prior art directory assistance services, a customer dials an operator and identifies the name and address of a party whose telephone number is desired. The operator then locates the number, using printed directories or a computer database, and provides the number to the customer. (The provision of the number is sometimes done by the live operator, but more typically is done with a computerized voice response unit that provides a synthesized voicing of the number.) After the customer's inquiry has been satisfied, the connection to the operator is terminated.

[0004] While satisfactory for most customers, this arrangement is ill-suited for many cellular telephone customers. For one, such customers are usually away from their general work environments (e.g. in a vehicle), and thus may not have ready access to a pencil and paper in order to make a note of the desired number. (Even if such materials are available, the customer may not find it convenient to interrupt other activities, e.g. driving, in order to make a note.) In addition, the process of initiating a second call—to the desired party—entails further manual operations (e.g. hanging up, waiting for another dial tone, and dialing) which may be a hindrance to the customer's other activities.

[0005] The present assignee, in the prior art, has redressed certain of these difficulties by providing a directory assistance service that eliminates the need to make a note of the desired number, or undertake a redialing exercise. Instead, after determining the telephone number desired by the customer, rather than voicing it to the customer, the directory assistance operator goes ahead and initiates a call to the desired party, and connects the new outgoing call to the original customer. (The operator may stay on the line as a conferenced party so as to provide further assistance, or may withdraw from the connection, depending on the particular implementation.) This arrangement obviates the need for the customer to make a note of the voiced number, or to undertake a redialing exercise. However, if the initiated call is not completed (e.g. a “busy” tone is received), or if the customer desires further directory assistance, then the customer must again call the directory assistance operator for help.

[0006] The problems associated with providing directory assistance services to cellular customers are not limited to hardships on the customers; the directory assistance service and the cellular carrier also confront unique issues. In the assignee's prior art system, for example, the cellular carrier (which is typically responsible for billing of the customer) knows only that the customer has dialed the directory assistance operator, but does not know the number to which the customer is ultimately connected by the operator. Billing is thereby complicated. In the prior art system, the toll charges (assuming toll calls are permitted; often they are not) for the connection between the customer and the desired number are simply absorbed by the directory assistance service, and recouped by billing the cellular carrier a sufficiently large flat rate charge for each directory assistance call so as to cover these costs. The cellular carrier then bills the subscriber a fixed amount for each directory assistance inquiry, regardless of the toll charges of any further connection established for the customer by the directory assistance operator. This arrangement, however, has a number of disadvantages. In addition to increased cost, it also fails to provide the cellular carrier useful information about its customers' calling patterns, which may affect decisions relating to system expansion, etc.

[0007] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a directory assistance service is provided which alleviates many of these drawbacks of the prior art. For example, in one embodiment, a customer who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who determines the destination telephone number desired by the customer. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the customer to the destination telephone number. However, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, this embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred back to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance). By this arrangement, the press of a single button by the customer summons further directory assistance, rather than the redialing procedure required by the prior art.

[0008] The preferred embodiment further addresses the billing difficulties associated with completion of customer calls by directory assistance operators. According to this aspect of the preferred embodiment, the directory assistance service logs, in a billing database, information identifying the customer (i.e. the customer identification number accompanying the call from the cellular provider), the destination number to which the customer is connected, and the date, time and duration of the customer/destination number connection. This log of information is periodically provided to the cellular carrier, allowing it to bill the customer for the call connected by the directory assistance operator and recoup the associated expense. This permits the flat rate charged by the directory assistance provider to be reduced correspondingly, and provides the cellular service with more detailed information about its customers' usage requirements.

[0009] The foregoing and additional features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting the hardware used to implement one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting the process by which directory assistance is provided to a customer in accordance with the FIG. 1 embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] With reference to FIG. 1, a directory assistance center 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes one or more T1 links 12 for connection to customer networks, a private branch exchange (PBX) 14, and a channel bank 16 for coupling to a plurality of operator telephones 18. Each operator is further equipped with a terminal 20 that includes a video display unit and a QWERTY keyboard with associated dialing pad. The operator terminals are coupled to a terminal server 22, which in turn is connected over a data network 24 to a database server 26. The data network further connects to a PBX host computer 28 and a voice response unit (VRU) 30.

[0013] The T1 links 12 provide connection between the directory assistance center 10 and the cellular carrier's switching center, through which incoming directory assistance calls are received. The T1 links 12 further provide connection to the network over which outgoing calls are placed (which network may be different than that used for incoming traffic).

[0014] The PBX 14 is conventionaly, and its operation is governed by instructions stored in the PBX host computer 28. These instructions simply implement the processes hereafter described. In the preferred embodiment, the PBX supports digital T1 telephone circuits, while in other embodiments other PBXs can of course be used. Included in the PBX is digital signal processing circuitry which provides the requisite conference capability (described below), and dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) and multi frequency (MF) tone generation/detection capabilities.

[0015] Incoming calls received by the PBX 14 are connected to an available operator via a T1 circuit 32 that is connected through the channel bank 16 to an operator's telephone headset. If no operator is available when a call is received, the call is queued until an operator becomes available. The queuing and call distribution is standard Automatic Call Distribution (ACD).

[0016] The terminal server 22 simply serves as an interface between serial devices, such as the operator terminals 20, and the data network 24, allowing the terminals to login as devices on the network.

[0017] The database server 26 provides operators with the means to search for a customer's desired party, and determine the appropriate telephone number. In the preferred embodiment, the database provides the capability to search not just by name and address, but also by type of goods/services and/or geographical region. (E.g. the preferred database can answer queries soliciting the names/numbers of shops carrying model rocketry supplies in southeast Portland, Oreg., or of Chinese restaurants on a given street.) Data indexed in this fashion is usually not commercially available, so the present assignee starts with a commercially available database file (e.g. the Directory Assistance Database Source available from U.S. West), and enriches it by adding further data manually.

[0018] Desirably, the results of the database search presented on the operator's terminal 20 are not alphabetized prior to display, but rather are presented in the order located by the database search engine. (If desired, a deliberate randomization of order could be effected before display). Businesses at the beginning of the alphabet are thereby not unduly favored by customers using the directory assistance service.

[0019] The database software itself is conventional. The presently preferred best mode us to use a relational database, such as is available from Sybase. However, much simpler software can alternatively be used, such as DBase 4.

[0020] The voice response unit (VRU) 30 is incorporated into the system to play the constantly repeated parts of an operator's speech, namely the various greetings and signoffs (or closings). Not only does this system provide a voice-saving and monotony-relief function for the operators, it performs a ‘branding’ function (i.e. the pre-recorded messages incorporate the name of the telephone company through which the customer was routed to the directory assistance service), and it also reduces the amount of time an operator is actually connected to a customer.

[0021] The VRU 30 is connected via the data link 24 to the PBX host 28 (to which it acts as a slave processor) and via one or more T1 spans to the PBX 14 itself. More than one VRU can exist in a system. At appropriate stages in a call progression, the PBX host 28 initiates a voice path connection between the VRU and the PBX such that the caller, or the caller and the operator, are able to hear whatever pre-recorded speech is played on that circuit by the VRU. It then instructs the VRU, via the data network, what type of message to play, passing data parameters that enable the VRU to locate the message appropriate to the call state, the service-providing telephone company, and the operator. The recording density used is high enough to provide a good enough quality of message playback that most users of the system should be unaware they are listening to a recording.

Method of Operation

[0022] Customers of a particular telephone company simply dial the access digits established for directory assistance by that company. Examples of typical access digits are “*555” and “555-1212.”

[0023] The participating telephone company's own switching system will then reroute the call to the directory assistance service center 10 (via a T1 channel), where it appears as an incoming call.

[0024] Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) logic is used to queue (if necessary) and distribute calls to operators in the order in which they are received, and such that the call traffic is distributed evenly among the operators.

[0025] When a call is connected to an operator, the VRU 30 (also conferenced into the call) plays a greeting message, using a message pre-recorded by the connected operator. Both the operator and the calling customer hear the message, which incorporates the name of the service or company to which the customer is a subscriber (in other words, the call is “branded”). The message ends with a prompt, thus cuing the customer to volunteer what information they are seeking.

[0026] When the automated greeting is complete, the VRU is disconnected, and the operator and the customer are left connected by a 2-way speech path. From this point, the caller is interacting with a live operator.

[0027] In the event that the VRU is non-functional (for whatever reason), the incoming call is connected to the operator and a short “trill,” or “zip” tone is played to indicate that a caller is on the line. (Note that once operators are logged in to the system, they wear headsets, and have their telephones 18 permanently off-hook. Their telephones do not ring when a call is presented). The operator then speaks a greeting and prompt in real time, instead of the VRU playing a message.

[0028] If the caller requests information concerning, for example, local theater performances, the operator speaks a response based on hard copy information. At this point, the caller will be released from the call, and the operator becomes available to handle further calls.

[0029] If the caller is seeking enhanced directory assistance, the operator will engage in live dialogue to establish the name and other pertinent information of the wanted party, and then initiate a database search using the operator terminal 20 and associated database server 26. In the event of an unsuccessful search, the operator will use alternative sources, such as the Electronic White Pages (EWP) or even printed directories.

[0030] The operator can connect the caller to the wanted party's number using one of two possible methods of call transfer: Blind Transfer or Hotline Transfer.

[0031] In either case, the call transfer is invoked by sending a sequence of digits (that includes the wanted party's number) to the PBX host 28. The conventional method of doing this is simply dialing the digits on the operator's telephone handset (having first depressed the “flash” key to obtain dial tone). This method is always available. A much quicker and more accurate method is generally preferred: the operator highlights the desired database entry on the screen of the terminal 20, and then initiates Blind or Hotline transfer to that number by entering a few keystrokes on the terminal keyboard. In this case, the database server 26 transmits the same digit sequence as part of a message to the PBX host 28, via the network 24.

[0032] “Blind Transfer” is the normal means by which an operator establishes a connection between the caller and the wanted party's number. As soon as the PBX host 28 receives the Blind Transfer command (whether from the database server 26 or the operator's telephone set 18), an attempt is made to establish a route out of the PBX 14. If successful, the circuit is seized and the address digits propagated, using the protocol the circuit is configured for: the operator is released from the call and made available to receive further calls. If the VRU 30 is operational, it is commanded to play a signoff message (pre-recorded by the just-released operator). If the VRU is not available, the operator speaks the signoff message before initiating the transfer. The VRU status is known by whether the call was initiated by a VRU-played greeting, or by zip tone. Failed routing attempts cause reorder tones to be returned to the operator's handset, or an error indication to be returned to the database server 26 (depending on how the PBX host received the transfer command).

[0033] Like Blind Transfer, the “Hotline Transfer” method of establishing a connection between the caller and the wanted party's number can be initiated by the operator from either the telephone handset 18 or from the data terminal keyboard 20. The difference is that the operator is not automatically released from the call in a Hotline Transfer. Instead, he/she is conferenced into the call by the PBX 28 and is able to monitor its progress. Using either the telephone handset or the data terminal keyboard, the operator may withdraw from the call after verifying its establishment, or may cause the called circuit to be released and then re-engage in dialogue with the caller.

[0034] Hotline Transfers are used when a caller requests that the operator “stay on the line.”

[0035] If, after initiation of a transfer (whether or not it succeeds), and at any time before the caller hangs up, the caller requires further operator assistance, the caller can “starback” to an operator. This is done simply by pressing the “*” (star) key on the caller's telephone once or twice (depending on the system, and as instructed by the operator in the signoff message).

[0036] The star tone(s) is detected by a DTMF receiver (allocated in the PBX 14 for the entire duration of the call), and causes the caller to appear as a fresh call to the ACD logic. This in turn results in the caller being connected to an available operator, whereupon the PBX host 28 instructs the connected VRU 30 to play the appropriate pre-recorded “starback” message. Note that the operator to whom the call is connected is allocated according to the ACD algorithm, and may or may not be the same operator that previously handled this call. From this point, the call is treated in the same way as a non-starback call.

[0037] The starback feature enables callers who have been transferred by means of a Blind Transfer to recall an operator if the transfer does not complete satisfactorily (for example, receipt of reorder tone, busy tone, operator intercept tri-tones, ring-no-answer, silence, or wrong number). It also enables a caller to request a follow-on call at the completion of a successfully completed call without incurring the delay or difficulty of re-dialing into the system.

[0038] It will be recognized that, in the preferred embodiment, the desired number is not voiced to the customer unless explicitly requested. Sometimes a customer uses the “starback” feature to request that the number be voiced if, for example, he finds a follow-up call is necessary later.

[0039] A flow diagram illustrating the sequence of events in a directory assistance system employing the present “starback” technique is provided in FIG. 2.

[0040] The “starback” technique enables the cost-effective provision of many services not previously available. For example, a directory assistance center may offer mapping/locator services which provide spoken directions to guide vehicle-based customers from their present location to a desired destination. However, to obviate the need for the customer to write the directions down while in the vehicle, the operator should be available to issue instructions along the course of the vehicle's route. By using the “starback” feature, the customer can receive initial instructions, and thereafter summon further instructions as needed along the route simply by pressing the star key. In such a system, the customer's connection to the directory assistance center is maintained during the course of the trip, but the operator can attend to other customers while the travelling customer doesn't need the operator's immediate attention. (Since “starback” may return the customer to a different operator, provision is made for transferring—with the customer—a pointer to the particular database record (i.e. map or directions) being utilized by that customer, and a pointer to a current location within that record. By this arrangement, a different operator who is summoned for assistance using the “starback” feature can pick up where the last operator left off.) While driving between operator instructions, the customer is simply kept in a “hold” state.

Billing Issues

[0041] There are three billing components of a cellular-phone originated call to a directory assistance service according to the present invention:

[0042] 1) “Air time,” or the total time the caller uses the cellular carrier's cellular radio system to carry a call from his/her cellular telephone. This is the responsibility of the cellular carrier.

[0043] 2) The per-call charge levied for use of the directory assistance service. This charge is made by the directory assistance service to the cellular carrier on the basis of the number of calls received from the carrier in a particular time period.

[0044] 3) Toll charge—the charge levied by a carrier for the duration of an answered connection over a toll route originated by a directory assistance operator. This charge is levied by the carrier used for completion of customer calls originated by the directory assistance operator. The cellular carrier is dependent on the directory assistance service to provide enough details of these calls to enable it to accurately bill its subscribers accordingly. There are two ways of doing this:

[0045] 1) The directory assistance service provides “tickets” of all calls that were transferred and answered. The precise content and format of the ticket is customer-defined, but includes at least the following information: calling number, called number, date and time of connection (i.e. when answer indication was received), and duration of call. The ticket files can be transferred on magnetic tape or by means of electronic file transfer.

[0046] 2) The digits that are dialed by the directory assistance service's PBX to initiate the call transfer (via the cellular carrier's network) can incorporate the calling party number (“A” Number Identification, or ANI). The cellular carrier's own switching equipment then has all the information needed to generate the required tickets.

[0047] It is the cellular carrier's responsibility to rate the calls and determine what charge is to be levied. Having described the principles of our invention with reference to a preferred embodiment and certain variations thereon, it should be apparent that these examples can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. For example, while the invention has been illustrated with reference to a system in which a “starback” customer is routed back to the next available operator, in other embodiments, provision can be made for routing the customer back to the original operator. (In some systems, the customer can be given a choice: pressing one key for the first available operator, and another key to be inserted in the original operator's queue.)

[0048] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of our invention may be put, it should be recognized that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of our invention. Rather, we claim as our invention all such embodiments as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto. 

We claim:
 1. An enhanced method of providing telephone directory assistance service comprising the steps: (a) receiving a customer call; (b) connecting the calling customer to a directory assistance operator; (c) determining a destination telephone number of a desired party wanted by the customer; (d) initiating a telephonic connection between the customer and the destination telephone number; (e) continuously monitoring said telephonic connection for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer; (f) detecting said predetermined DTMF signal; and (g) reconnecting the customer to a directory assistance operator upon said detection of the DTMF signal.
 2. The method of claim 1 in which step (a) comprises receiving a customer call originated with a cellular telephone.
 3. The method of claim 2 which includes providing a voiced recitation of the destination telephone number to the customer only if explicitly requested by the customer.
 4. The method of claim 2 which includes maintaining the directory assistance operator as a conferenced party to the initiated telephonic connection to monitor whether the connection is completed satisfactorily.
 5. The method of claim 2 which includes reattempting to establish connection between the customer and the destination telephone party upon request by the customer following detection of the DTMF tone.
 6. The method of claim 2 which includes repeating steps (c) through (e) for a different desired party following step (g).
 7. A directory assistance service method comprising the steps: receiving a directory assistance call from a customer, the customer using a cellular telephone and a cellular carrier service; establishing a connection between the customer and a desired destination number; logging in a billing database: a customer identification number; the destination number; the date, time, and duration of connection between the customer and the desired destination number; and providing to the cellular carrier the data logged in the billing database so the customer can be billed by the cellular carrier accordingly.
 8. The method of claim 7 in which the receiving and establishing steps comprise: (a) receiving a customer call; (b) connecting the calling customer to a directory assistance operator; (c) determining a destination telephone number of a desired party wanted by the customer; (d) initiating a telephonic connection between the customer and the destination telephone number; (e) continuously monitoring said telephonic connection for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer; (f) detecting said predetermined DTMF signal; and (g) reconnecting the customer to a directory assistance operator upon said detection of the DTMF signal.
 9. The method of claim 8 which includes reconnecting the customer to a directory assistance operator without terminating the telephonic connection between the customer and the destination telephone number.
 10. The method of claim 8 which includes providing a voiced recitation of the destination telephone number to the customer only if explicitly requested by the customer.
 11. The method of claim 8 which includes maintaining the directory assistance operator as a conferenced party to the initiated telephonic connection to monitor whether the connection is completed satisfactorily.
 12. The method of claim 8 which includes reattempting to establish connection between the customer and the destination telephone party upon request by the customer following detection of the DTMF tone.
 13. The method of claim 8 which includes repeating steps (c) through (e) for a different desired party following step (g).
 14. In a method of providing assistance to a cellular telephone subscriber, the assistance taking the form of spoken directions guiding the subscriber in travelling from a present location to a desired location, an improvement comprising: connecting the subscriber to an operator; determining a route from the present location to the desired location; voicing to the subscriber directions corresponding to a first part of the route; placing the subscriber on hold; monitoring the subscriber connection for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the subscriber; detecting said predetermined DTMF signal; reconnecting the subscriber to an operator upon said detection of the DTMF signal; and voicing to the subscriber directions corresponding to a second part of the route; wherein the subscriber can summon operator assistance as needed while travelling along the route. 